UFC president Dana White is scheduled to undergo a procedure today in Los Angeles for a condition called Meniere’s disease, which affects 50,000 to 100,000 people per year.

Because of the procedure – which ideally will eliminate some of the symptoms he’s had for the past few months – White had to skip last night’s UFC on FUEL TV 3 event in Fairfax, Va.

It’s the first UFC show White couldn’t attend in an 11-year span that’s included 168 consecutive events under the current Zuffa LLC ownership.

The most common symptoms of Meniere’s disease are intense dizziness or vertigo, lack of balance, and hearing loss. The exact cause of Meniere’s is not known, but it’s believed to be related to an increase in fluid pressure of the inner ear, which is the body’s equilibrium center.

Meniere’s may develop as a result of head trauma, middle or inner ear infection, allergies, recent viral illness, fatigue and stress – just to name a few.

Lifestyle changes with diet, proper rest, and relaxation therapy are often tried with varying results. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat a confirmed inner or middle ear infection. Daily medications including herbal remedies are reviewed to make sure the symptoms are not related to a side effect or drug interaction. The doctor may also suggest limiting alcohol or caffeine consumption.

If severe symptoms persist, a surgical procedure like White’s may be indicated. Surgery may include cutting the vestibular nerve, which helps relieve the vertigo without hearing loss. Sometimes a portion of the inner-ear apparatus must be removed, which helps with the dizziness but causes complete hearing loss in that ear. On occasion an antibiotic can be placed directly into middle ear to relieve the symptoms.

Despite missing Tuesday’s event, White continued tweeting throughout the night. He even dictated some instructions to the production crew and answered a ton of fans’ questions. Despite his illness, it was anything but a night off for one of the world’s busiest sports executives.

I wish Dana godspeed and a full recovery – because the world isn’t nearly as colorful and exciting of a place when he’s not 100 percent!

Dr. Johnny Benjamin is MMAjunkie.com’s medical columnist and consultant and a noted combat-sports specialist. He is also a member of the Association of Boxing Commissions’ MMA Medical Subcommittee. In addition to his “Ask the Fight Doc” feature, Dr. Benjamin pens “Medical Beat” columns about issues relating to healthcare and combat sports. You can find Dr. Benjamin online at www.drjohnnybenjamin.com, and you can read his other sports-related articles at blog.drjohnnybenjamin.com.